Morocco -- Exploring Islam

This learning journey will provide insights into Islam and a contemporary understanding of this ancient, exotic culture.

In addition we will enjoy the richness and color of the culture and pattern of daily life as we live among the Moroccan people traveling from the Barbary Coast of Tangier to the sands of the Sahara where we ride camels and sip tea with nomads in their tents. This is an exotic land of fabled stories and we will have the opportunity to enjoy it all... explore the winding alleyways of the ancient medina of Fez, barter for a souvenir with a vendor, view the dye vats at the outdoor tannery as the craftsmen ply their ancient trade of coloring the skins to make into leather products, and always, in Morocco there is a friendly smile and laughter.

Sample itinerary (for a more complete itinerary, click here)

Day 3, June 5, Tuesday, Arrival Tangie
Visit a women's center which trains and empowers low income women. Lunch with Prof Ali, a Berber who will discuss the Arabic, Berber, Jewish and European influences in Morocco. A short drive to Asilah, a small seaport town. Free time to walk the beach or rest.

Day 10, June 12, Tuesday, Marrakech
Continue to the fabled city of Marrakech. In the afternoon we explore the winding alleyways of the souks, the evening is free to enjoy the Djemaa El Fna square with its myriad activity and entertainment of snake charmers, acrobats, musicians and dancers.

Available Courses (non-credit option also available)

CINTD 3999.01 Cultural Diversity in Morocco (3 cr)
Islamic, Berber, Jewish and European influences all co-exist in Morocco. In this course we will explore how these diverse cultures/religions manage to co-exist in a relatively peaceful fashion and how we can apply this knowledge in our own lives. We will examine these issues from both cultural and psychological perspectives.

CPSYC 3999.01 Coming to Your Senses: Exploring Consciousness in Morocco (3 cr)
In many of the contemplative practices, including the practice of mindfulness, we focus on present moment awareness by becoming increasingly connected with our senses, and therefore ourselves. In this course we will integrate psychological principles from the works of Carl Rogers (what it means to be a "fully functioning" person) and Carl Jung (experiencing "wholeness" through our psychological functions - sensing, thinking, feeling, intuiting) with the unique tastes, smells, sights, sounds and textures of Morocco to experience increasing awareness of the present moment. By heightening our senses to the Moroccan moment we will develop, and explore, a deeper understanding of our universal connection.

For additional information, contact:
Dr. Neal Klein, 617-349-8909

* This trip is a Lesley University / Cross-Cultural Journeys Study-travel Opportunity